I was looking through some old manga of Bleach just now, and I think I figured out why the Soul society never recognized Ichigo's last name. Ever wondered exactly WHY Ichigo looks almost exactly like Shiba Kaien? Kurosaki Isshin, (Ichigo's dad) must have married into the name Kurosaki. Which brings up the important question. What was Isshin's last name BEFORE he married and became Kurosaki? And WHY exactly does Ichigo look like Shiba Ganju's dead brother? I theorize that Isshin was originally a member of the Shiba clan. When he left Soul society 20 years ago, the Shiba clan got stripped of their noble status around the same time. SOOOO...... If my theory is correct, Ichigo is related to Ganju. That explains why he bears the resemblance to Kaien. What do you all think?

I was looking through some old manga of Bleach just now, and I think I figured out why the Soul society never recognized Ichigo's last name. Ever wondered exactly WHY Ichigo looks almost exactly like Shiba Kaien? Kurosaki Isshin, (Ichigo's dad) must have married into the name Kurosaki. Which brings up the important question. What was Isshin's last name BEFORE he married and became Kurosaki? And WHY exactly does Ichigo look like Shiba Ganju's dead brother? I theorize that Isshin was originally a member of the Shiba clan. When he left Soul society 20 years ago, the Shiba clan got stripped of their noble status around the same time. SOOOO...... If my theory is correct, Ichigo is related to Ganju. That explains why he bears the resemblance to Kaien. What do you all think?

but, yea o_o in the manga I've mistaken both of them up too. xD Like for a second, I thought on that part, Ichigo dyed his hair black o_o" but yea they do look exactly the same haha o.o but if Ichigo's related to Ganju...how did Ganju turn out looking like that XD.

I was looking through some old manga of Bleach just now, and I think I figured out why the Soul society never recognized Ichigo's last name. Ever wondered exactly WHY Ichigo looks almost exactly like Shiba Kaien? Kurosaki Isshin, (Ichigo's dad) must have married into the name Kurosaki. Which brings up the important question. What was Isshin's last name BEFORE he married and became Kurosaki? And WHY exactly does Ichigo look like Shiba Ganju's dead brother? I theorize that Isshin was originally a member of the Shiba clan. When he left Soul society 20 years ago, the Shiba clan got stripped of their noble status around the same time. SOOOO...... If my theory is correct, Ichigo is related to Ganju. That explains why he bears the resemblance to Kaien. What do you all think?

but, yea o_o in the manga I've mistaken both of them up too. xD Like for a second, I thought on that part, Ichigo dyed his hair black o_o" but yea they do look exactly the same haha o.o but if Ichigo's related to Ganju...how did Ganju turn out looking like that XD.

I was looking through some old manga of Bleach just now, and I think I figured out why the Soul society never recognized Ichigo's last name. Ever wondered exactly WHY Ichigo looks almost exactly like Shiba Kaien? Kurosaki Isshin, (Ichigo's dad) must have married into the name Kurosaki. Which brings up the important question. What was Isshin's last name BEFORE he married and became Kurosaki? And WHY exactly does Ichigo look like Shiba Ganju's dead brother? I theorize that Isshin was originally a member of the Shiba clan. When he left Soul society 20 years ago, the Shiba clan got stripped of their noble status around the same time. SOOOO...... If my theory is correct, Ichigo is related to Ganju. That explains why he bears the resemblance to Kaien. What do you all think?

but, yea o_o in the manga I've mistaken both of them up too. xD Like for a second, I thought on that part, Ichigo dyed his hair black o_o" but yea they do look exactly the same haha o.o but if Ichigo's related to Ganju...how did Ganju turn out looking like that XD.

I was looking through some old manga of Bleach just now, and I think I figured out why the Soul society never recognized Ichigo's last name. Ever wondered exactly WHY Ichigo looks almost exactly like Shiba Kaien? Kurosaki Isshin, (Ichigo's dad) must have married into the name Kurosaki. Which brings up the important question. What was Isshin's last name BEFORE he married and became Kurosaki? And WHY exactly does Ichigo look like Shiba Ganju's dead brother? I theorize that Isshin was originally a member of the Shiba clan. When he left Soul society 20 years ago, the Shiba clan got stripped of their noble status around the same time. SOOOO...... If my theory is correct, Ichigo is related to Ganju. That explains why he bears the resemblance to Kaien. What do you all think?

but, yea o_o in the manga I've mistaken both of them up too. xD Like for a second, I thought on that part, Ichigo dyed his hair black o_o" but yea they do look exactly the same haha o.o but if Ichigo's related to Ganju...how did Ganju turn out looking like that XD.

I was looking through some old manga of Bleach just now, and I think I figured out why the Soul society never recognized Ichigo's last name. Ever wondered exactly WHY Ichigo looks almost exactly like Shiba Kaien? Kurosaki Isshin, (Ichigo's dad) must have married into the name Kurosaki. Which brings up the important question. What was Isshin's last name BEFORE he married and became Kurosaki? And WHY exactly does Ichigo look like Shiba Ganju's dead brother? I theorize that Isshin was originally a member of the Shiba clan. When he left Soul society 20 years ago, the Shiba clan got stripped of their noble status around the same time. SOOOO...... If my theory is correct, Ichigo is related to Ganju. That explains why he bears the resemblance to Kaien. What do you all think?

Ichigo and Kaien do resembe each other.. But that's all, nothing is clear about Isshin and the Shiba family. But it will really be nice if they are like connected.

Perhaps it was a visual choice in order to reinforce Rukia's relationship with both characters. Moreso, as a way to have viewers/readers instantly build a strong relationship since Kaein doesn't appear for very long.

If you go back and watch the Rukia vs. Aaroniero (Espada 9), you'll note that it was stated several times where Kaein's soul was bound to the Hollow that killed him in the real world and that Hollow was eaten by Aaroniero. So, it's not really open to let Ichigo BE Kaein.